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Munger Shaw Fire Update - Saturday, May 17, 2025

Munger Shaw Fire Quick Facts

Size: 1600 acres       Location: Southeast of Cotton, MN               Personnel: 50

Containment: 50%     Cause: Under investigation                             Resources: 1 engine, 1 dozer, 2 tracked vehicles,

Start Date: 05/12/2025                                                                                                       1 Type One Crew

NOTE: St. Louis County has rescinded the “Go” evacuation order for the Munger Shaw Fire ONLY

Munger Shaw Overview – The Munger Shaw fire was detected late in the afternoon on Monday, May 12. Minnesota DNR along with local fire departments responded. Multiple aircraft were brought in to help slow down the active flame fronts, supporting the ground firefighting efforts. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management are coordinating public safety efforts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Update and Planned Activities: The Munger Shaw Fire is now 50% contained. Today, crews will continue to patrol the fire’s edge and mop up linger hotspots, like smoldering stumps, to help secure containment. This involves firefighters searching for smoke and cooling heat pockets of unburned fuel with water and stirring the embers. Specialized teams of sawyers who work with chainsaws are falling trees that pose safety hazards for firefighters.

Fighting large wildfires requires strong partnerships and communication at many levels. MNICS Team A is working in cooperation with CN Railroad to reopen the railroad tracks near the Munger Shaw fire that were closed while the fire was most active. To assure firefighters safety, trains are reducing their speed as they pass through the Munger Shaw Fire.

Firefighters are removing hazard trees near the tracks as well as along public roadways. MNICS Team A has worked closely with the railroad over the course of this incident. It is these kinds of partnerships and agreements that lead to successful outcomes.

National Weather Service Forecast: Spotty showers are forecast today along with breezy northwest winds 8-12 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. The temperature will remain cool with a high of 51 degrees and 60% relative humidity.

Evacuations and Road Closures: The St. Louis County Sheriff rescinded the evacuation and road closures for the Munger Shaw Fire ONLY. Due to improved weather conditions and the successful work on preventing further fire spread, residents will be allowed to return to their property immediately. Residents are reminded to be mindful of people working in the area to restore essential services. Drive cautiously as roads may have been impacted by the fire. Stay alert and pay attention.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Divisions of Emergency Management and 911 have a website hub with evacuation and other fire information and Ready-Set-Go map.

• St. Louis County: https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire
• Lake County: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/

Donations: Staff and firefighters working on the Munger Shaw Fire greatly appreciate all the support from the local businesses and communities. At this time, we are unable to use all of the food and drink donations we are receiving. Please be assured that our firefighters are well taken care of.

Once again, we greatly appreciate the generosity of those who want to assist. As an alternative we recommend making a contribution to these great organizations who support firefighters:

• Wildland Firefighter Foundation at: https://wffoundation.org/
• The Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate.html The United Way: https://www.unitedwaynemn.org/give

Cooperating Agencies: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, CN Railroad, Northland Fire Department, St. Louis County Emergency Management and St. Louis County Rescue Squad,

Burning Restrictions: For current burning restrictions, see https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html